Archived Outdoors

Chimney Rock Groundhog says early spring coming to WNC

Pumpkin the Groundhog enjoys a snack following his prediction. Donated photo Pumpkin the Groundhog enjoys a snack following his prediction. Donated photo

According to untrained non-meteorologist Pumpkin the Groundhog, spring is on the way for Western North Carolina. 

Pumpkin, who recently joined Chimney Rock State Park’s cadre of animal ambassadors, made his first-ever Groundhog Day prediction Wednesday, Feb. 2. The day’s cloudy skies prevented him from seeing his shadow, contradicting the prediction of the ever-famous Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania. New England and the mid-Atlantic might be in for six more weeks of winter, but Pumpkin sees warmer days coming soon to Chimney Rock. 

Following his weather prognostication, Pumpkin predicted that the L.A. Rams would win the Super Bowl on Feb. 13. Chimney Rock groundhogs thus far have a 68% success rate in predicting the outcome. 

Pumpkin, who has brain damage caused by a parasite, is not capable of surviving in the wild. He recently arrived at Chimney Rock from a rehabilitation center in New York. 

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